Kano enduring divorce challenge as families, children bear brunt

Divorce has become a growing social concern in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, which has earned the epithet of the country’s “divorce capital.”

Experts and recent studies point to a combination of economic hardship, changing gender roles, early marriage, and evolving social norms as key drivers behind rising marital breakdowns in the region.

Globally, Nigeria ranks eleventh out of 26 countries with the highest divorce rates, according to Divorce.com, a U.S.-based website providing resources and support for navigating divorce.

The data placed Nigeria’s divorce rate at 2.9 per cent, equivalent to 1.8 divorces per 1,000 people. Countries with higher rates include the Maldives, Cuba, Sweden, and Ukraine, while nations like India and Malta recorded the lowest.

The study also highlighted that women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are increasingly initiating divorces, reflecting their growing financial independence and the shifting dynamics of marital relationships.

Although there are no official divorce statistics specifically for Kano, research and local observations indicate that the rate of marital breakdown is particularly high in the state.

According to a BBC survey conducted in 2022, 32 per cent of marriages in Kano last only between three and six months, and some people aged between 20 and 25 have already gone through multiple marriages.

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SolaceBase reports that the factors driving this trend include early marriage, lack of proper marital preparation, economic pressures, and the ease of divorce under Islamic law, where husbands can end a marriage simply by declaring “I divorce you,” or even through a message sent on social media.

The implications of Kano’s rising divorce rates are profound, affecting individuals, families, and the wider society. Broken marriages often result in psychological stress, economic hardship, and disruption of family structures.

The tragedy of Fatsuma Bagobiri, a 40-year-old woman from Jigawa State who set herself ablaze after struggling with depression following her divorce, highlights the severe emotional toll that marital breakdowns can take.

Her death left a child without a mother and underscores the vulnerability of women navigating post-divorce life without adequate social support.

To address these challenges, the Kano State Hisbah Board, an Islamic moral enforcement agency, has intervened through counseling services, monitoring of marital disputes, and innovative programs such as Auren Zawarawa—mass weddings for divorcees.

The initiative includes not only matchmaking but also financial and material support to help newlywed couples establish stable households.

Dr. Mujahiddin Aminuddin, Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, said the intervention has been crucial, noting that without it, over a million marriages could have collapsed in a single day.

He also told SolaceBase that the board is planning to introduce mandatory mental health assessments before marriage, similar to compulsory genotype testing, to reduce marital crises that often lead to divorce.

Experts highlight that economic pressures play a key role in Kano’s marital instability. With many families struggling to make ends meet, couples experience tension and conflict, which can escalate into separation.

In addition, social customs such as marrying through matchmakers, limited premarital acquaintance, and pressure from extended families can contribute to mismatched expectations and early marital dissatisfaction.

While the trend of divorce is concerning, there are examples of enduring marriages that provide hope. In Kano, Mahmud Kabir Yakasai, 76, and his wife Rabiatu Tahir, in her late 60s, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The couple credited their long-lasting marriage to patience, mutual respect, and understanding, demonstrating that with the right attitude and support, marital stability is achievable even in a challenging environment.

Their story serves as a rare but powerful counterpoint to Kano’s reputation as the “divorce capital.”

People like Ibrahim Musa, a social analyst, believes that as Kano continues to grapple with rising divorce rates, the situation highlights the need for greater societal awareness, mental health support, economic empowerment, and stronger family counselling services.

He stated, “Without coordinated efforts, the social and emotional costs of marital breakdowns will continue to affect individuals, families, and the wider community, reinforcing the urgency of interventions like those provided by Hisbah and supportive NGOs.”